June 29, 2014
Solemnity of SS. Peter and Paul
We often associate names. It is easier for me at times to remember the names of a couple. When I recall one name, the other comes naturally to mind. It is also true with rhymes: Jack & Jill and Hansel & Gretel; with explorers: Lewis & Clark; singers: Peter, Paul & Mary and Simon & Garfunkel; and with saints: Peter & Paul – our solemnity today! Catholic tradition fondly remembers these two apostles and associates them together. We learn from the Acts of the Apostles and Galatians of three occasions when Peter and Paul were together: after his conversion Paul went to Jerusalem to “confer†with Peter; years later Paul journeyed to Jerusalem to discuss and define with the leaders of the Church the special roles for Peter and Paul and before departing they had a handshake in friendship and faith; and the third occasion at Antioch when Paul publicly rebuked Peter for hanging out with Jewish Christian aloof from Gentile Christian. Both Peter and Paul eventually find themselves in the city of Rome where they are both executed for their belief in Jesus Christ. “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of faith.†SS. Peter & Paul embody and model for us the necessity both to hold to the teaching and actions of Jesus and to adapt to new circumstances; to treasure and to share. Peter is symbolized by “keys†i.e. the office of the Good Shepherd Jesus entrusts to him. Paul is symbolized by a “sword†i.e. the two edged word of God that comforts and challenges. We should not rob Peter to pay Paul. We must learn from both pillars of the faith and discover as they did -- life in Christ!
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